Devonport dry dock reopens after £200m revamp

An opening ceremony for 9 Dock was held at HMNB Devonport earlier

The biggest dry dock at a navy base in Plymouth has reopened after a £200m refurbishment, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.

An opening ceremony for 9 Dock was held at HMNB Devonport earlier.

The MoD said the project completed under contract by Babcock would allow UK submarines to go through maintenance work faster and therefore redeploy quicker.

Babcock chief executive David Lockwood said the project ensured the UK had a "sovereign, fit-for-purpose, deep maintenance capability now and in the future".

'Deterring our adversaries'

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle said 9 Dock and Devonport was vital for the future of the continuous at sea nuclear deterrent.

Speaking at the dockyard, Ms Eagle said the site made a "vital contribution to our nation's security".

The MoD said the Vanguard Class submarines required regular maintenance work - known as a deep maintenance period - to keep them in active service.

It said: "Without the planned works that take place in 9 Dock they will not be able to achieve their designed lifespan."

Ms Eagle said fleet was "at the heart of deterring our adversaries and keeping the UK safe".